Welcome to the world of makeup!

Whether you're new to makeup or just looking to brush up on the basics, this guide has you covered! Makeup is for everyone & offers a fun, expressive way to feel confident. This website and PDF guide provides basic tips to help guide you to create looks that feel authentic to you. 

Download Makeup 101 PDF!


 

Disclaimer

Be a smart consumer! You don’t need all of these products or tools to achieve a satisfying makeup routine. Remember, makeup routines are personalized - choose what best suits your skin type & addresses your skin concerns. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes - trial & error is key!

Things to Consider

 

Understanding your skin type and concerns helps you choose the right products.

 

Skin Type

Skin Undertone

Prioritize hydration

  • Signs: Tightness, flakiness, or dullness, especially post-cleansing

  • Products: Cream-based, dewy/hydrated finishes

  • Splurge: Primer, foundation, blush

Balance hydration and oil control

  • Signs: Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with drier cheeks

  • Products: Mix dewy for dry areas, matte for oily areas

Prioritize oil control

  • Signs: Shine, especially in T-zone

  • Products: Powder & matte finishes

  • Splurge: Primer, foundation, powder

Embrace silver hues

  • Signs: Veins appear blue; silver jewelry looks best
  • Products: Cool-toned pink, berry, & blue-based red shades 
  • Best Matches: Foundations with pink or blue undertones

Versatile with balanced hues

  • Signs: Blue & green veins; gold & silver jewelry both suit
  • Products: Neutral shades like peach, rose, & coral
  • Best Matches: Foundations with balanced undertones

Embrace golden hues

  • Signs: Veins appear green; gold jewelry looks best
  • Products: Warm-toned shades like peach, coral, golden
  • Best Matches: Foundations with yellow or golden undertones

Makeup Kit

 

 

Basic Makeup Products

Makeup products are unique to each individual—what works for one may not work for another. Try different options to find the combination that best suits your preferences and needs.

 

 

  • Look for “broad spectrum” sunscreens that is at least SPF 30.
  • Application: Apply before makeup for lasting defense against skin burning, skin aging, and risks of skin cancer.
    • Apply approximately a dollop of sunscreen the size of a nickel on your face.
    • Re apply every 2 hours.
       
  • A hydrated base is the first step to smooth glowing makeup.
  • Three main types of moisturizer — lotion, cream, ointment — each with its unique properties and best skin usages:
    • Dry Skin/Eczema: Use creams or ointments, which are rich in hydrating oils and provide deep moisture.
    • Oily Skin: Opt for lotions or gel moisturizers, which are lightweight and won’t feel greasy.
    • Combination Skin: Apply cream/lotion on dry areas and gel moisturizer on oily zones for balance.
    • Acne-Prone Skin: Ensure your moisturizer is non-comedogenic to prevent clogged pores.
       
  • Preps skin by smoothing pores and helping makeup last longer.
  • Different primers finishes cater to various needs:
    • Dewy, hydrating primers – Ideal for dry skin, creates a radiant glow finish.
    • Mattifying primers – Best for oily skin, controlls shine and reduces excess oil.
       
  • Provides an even base for the rest of your makeup.
  • Start with a light to medium coverage foundation that matches your skin tone and skin undertone.
  • Different foundation formulas cater to different skin concerns:
    • For Dry Skin: Opt for dewy finish foundations to add radiance and hydration.
    • For Oily Skin: Choose matte finish foundations to control oil.
  • Application: Apply foundation evenly across your face, blending into the ear and neck regions.
     
  • Helps cover any blemishes or dark circles.
  • Color Correctors: Use beneath concealer to enhance effectiveness without layering too much product.
    • Neutralizing Redness (rosacea, acne, acne scars): Opt for a green color corrector.
    • Neutralizing Darkness (dark under eyes/hyperpigmentation): Opt for an orange color corrector (darker skin tones) or a peach color corrector (fairer skin tones).
  • Application: Apply concealer under the eyes and spot correct any blemishes.
    • Tip: Use thin layers and build coverage as needed to avoid a cakey look.
       
  • Sets makeup in place and reduces shine.
  • Types of tints:
    • Translucent
      • Risk of flashback in photos (especially for darker skin tones).
    • Skin Tone-Matched Setting Powder 
    • Yellow/Banana Powder
      • Ideal for darker skin tones.
  • Types of formula:
    • Compact setting powder: Convenient for on-the-go use.
    • Loose setting powder: Provides a lighter, airier finish.
  • Application: Apply to areas prone to creasing or in needing brightening (under eyes, forehead, chin, t-zone).
    • If dry skin ➡ Opt for one type based on preference.
    • If oily skin ➡ Opt for layering both types of formula for longer wear.
    • Tip: Tap off excess powder of brush before applying to prevent cakiness.
       
  • Adds color and a natural flush to your face.
  • Choose a blush shade that complements your skin undertone.
  • Types of formula:
    • Powder blush
    • Liquid blush
  • Application: Apply and blend product on the apples on your cheeks.
    • Tip: Layer powder blush over liquid blush for a more pigmented look.
       
  • Adds warmth and tan to your face. (Warm toned brown)
  • Types of formula:
    • Powder bronzer
    • Liquid bronzer
  • Application: Apply and blend product above the cheekbones and along the forehead hairline region.
    • Tip: Layer powder bronzer over liquid bronzer for a more pigmented look.
       
  • Adds definition and angularity to your face. (Cool toned brown)
  • Types of formula:
    • Powder bronzer
    • Liquid bronzer
  • Application: Apply and blend product underneath cheekbones, jawline, and around the hairline region of the forehead.
    • Tip: Layer powder bronzer over liquid bronzer for a more pigmented look.
       
  • Locks in your makeup for long-lasting wear and a fresh finish.
  • Adds color or shine to your lips
  • Choose a shade that complements your skin undertone.
  • Types of Formula:
    • Lip Stick
    • Lip Gloss
    • Lip Stain
    • Lip oil
       
  • Defines and lengthens lashes for a more open-eyed look.
  • Types of Formula:
    • Standard mascara
    • Tubing mascara
    • Fiber Mascara
       

Fills in and shapes brows.
 

  • Add color to your eyelids. Start with neutral shades if you're unsure.
  • Choose shades that complement your skin undertone.
     
  • Defines eye shape; choose pencil for a softer look, liquid for bold precision.
  • Types of Formula
    • Gel Eyeliner
    • Pencil Eyeliner 
    • Liquid Eyeliner
       
  • Adds a glittery shine to the highest points of your face.
  • Types of formula:
    • Powder Highlighter
    • Liquid Highlighter
  • Application: Apply at the high points of your face (tops of your cheekbones, brow bone, cupid’s bow, and the bridge of the nose).
     


 

Makeup tools aren’t one-size-fits-all—there’s no strict rule for how to use them. You don’t need every tool in your kit, so explore and find what works best for you. (Pro tip: use denser brushes for cream products & fluffier brushers for powder products).

 

 

Tools for Your Base

Supplementary Tools

    

Denser brush that provides smooth coverage with fuller coverage potential.

Sponge that creates a natural, hydrated finish; ideal for blending cream products.

Precision application for under-eye areas, shaping brows, & blemishes.

Large, fluffy brush for setting makeup & reducing shine.

Perfect for pressing powder into the skin for a long-lasting matte finish, especially in smaller areas. 

Soft brush for light application and blending. Ideal for powders.

Dual-textured brush for smooth., airbrushes foundation or blush application.

Angled brush for creating dimension to sharpen features.

Light brush for applying highlighter or dusting off excess powder.

Thin brush for detailed eyeliner application or soft smudging.

Small, flat brush for precise eyeshadow application on the lid or crease.

Prioritize Skin Health 


 

Skin Preparation 

A proper cleansing routine removes makeup, excess oil, & impurities, preventing breakouts & irritation. Wash with lukewarm water, pat dry (don’t rub), & avoid harsh scrubbing to maintain skin barrier health.


 

Best for breaking down makeup & sunscreen. Use lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like jojoba, squalane, or grapeseed oil. Avoid coconut oil if acne-prone.

Essential for removing remaining residue. Dry skin benefits from hydrating cleansers with ceramides & glycerin; oily skin does well with gel-based cleansers containing salicylic acid or green tea extract.

Recommended for heavy makeup wearers—oil cleanse first, then use a gentle water-based cleanser suited to your skin type.

For dry skin, opt for rich creams with squalane or ceramides. For oily skin, choose lightweight, oil-free moisturizers with glycerin.


 

IMPORTANT NOTE: This cleansing routine should be followed both BEFORE applying makeup & AFTER removing makeup to maintain a clean, healthy, hydrated base.

 

 

Makeup Hygiene 

Why It Matters: Disregarding hygiene can increase risk of breakouts, infections, & irritation. Clean products & tools help maintain healthy skin & better makeup application.

 

 

  • Expired makeup, whether opened or not, loses effectiveness, harbors bacteria, and should be discarded.
  • Check the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol on packaging—a small jar icon with a number indicating months of use after opening.
  • For exact expiration dates, use a batch code checker website.
     

Avoid sharing makeup products and tools to prevent bacteria spread; use disposable applicators only if sharing is necessary.

Wash brushes & sponges weekly with gentle soap to remove buildup & prevent bacteria growth. Allow tools to dry completely before using.

 

 

Sun UV Protection

Daily sunscreen use is essential to protect against skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.

When buying sunscreen, look for:

  • SPF 30 or higher for adequate protection.
  • “Broad-spectrum coverage” against UVA & UVB rays.

Here are the 3 main types of sunscreens:
 

Provides physical protection by blocking UV rays. Generally a safer option for sensitive skin, though may leave a white cast, especially on darker skin tones.

Absorbs UV rays, offering lightweight, invisible protection. Many Korean & Japanese formulas are designed to blend seamlessly on all skin tones, minimizing white cast.
 

Provides broad-spectrum protection while shielding against visible light to help prevent hyperpigmentation. Evens skin tone, offers a natural finish, & can replace foundation for a more sheer, lighter coverage.
 

 

 

Application Tip: For the face, Apply approximately 1/2 teaspoon. reapply every two hours, & use SPF powders or sprays for touch-ups.

 

 

Skin Sensitivities

While makeup can help even out skin tone, underlying skin conditions should be properly managed rather than just covered up. Consult a dermatologist to identify triggers & receive appropriate treatment. Always Patch-test new products & seek professional guidance if issues persist! Here are some common skin concerns to keep in mind:

 

 

Choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic skincare. Avoid alcohol-based products & harsh exfoliants.
 

Use non-comedogenic, oil-free products & avoid pore-clogging ingredients.
 

Opt for rich, fragrance-free moisturizers & stick to gentle, minimal-ingredient makeup & avoid potential irritants like alcohol & synthetic fragrances.
 

 

 

Skincare Ingredients 

If you have sensitive skin, consider avoiding certain ingredients that can trigger irritation, allergic reactions, or aggravate existing skin concerns. 

 

 

Hidden irritants that can cause redness & reactions.

Certain parabens & formaldehyde releasers may trigger sensitivity.
 

 Found in some powders & pigments, with potential contaminants.
 

Can dry out skin—opt for hydrating formulas instead.
 

 

 

Pro tip: Use apps like Yuka or the website incidecoder to check ingredient safety.